HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT COUNCIL Mandated Benefits [31 Pa.B. 5621] Section 9 of Act 34 of 1993 requires that the Health Care Cost Containment Council (Council) review existing or proposed mandated health benefits on request of the executive and legislative branches of government. The Council has been requested by Senator Edwin Holl, Chairperson of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, to review Senate Bill 779 which would require all group and individual health insurance policies to provide coverage for annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) examinations for men 50 years of age and older. In addition, policies would be required to provide coverage for PSA examinations for men under 50 years of age upon a physician's recommendation.
Initial notification of request for information and documentation was published at 31 Pa.B. 4022 (July 12, 2001), with documentation due to the Council by September 21, 2001.
Following is a list of the documentation received. This information is available for public review and comment at the Council offices during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) until November 9, 2001. Any additional comments on this information must be received by this time. Council offices are located at 225 Market Street, Suite 400, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Send comments to Flossie Wolf at this address.
Senate Bill 779 Submissions 1. AFLAC (American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus)
* Letter from Richard J. Gmerek of the Law Offices of Gmerek & Hayden addressing Section 9 requirements.
* Information addressing health insurance administration.
2. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania
* Letter from Kimberly Kockler, Director, Policy Management, addressing Section 9 requirements.
* Prostate cancer facts/incidence information.
* Relevant research articles.
3. Geisinger Health Plan
* Letter from Duane E. Davis, M.D., Senior Vice President, Medical Director addressing Senate Bill 779.
4. Highmark
* Letter from Bruce R. Hironimus, Vice President of Government Affairs, addressing Section 9 requirements.
* Relevant research articles.
* Cancer facts/incidence information.
5. The Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, Inc.
* Letter from John R. Doubman, Secretary and Counsel, addressing Section 9 requirements.
* Relevant research articles.
6. Managed Care Association of Pennsylvania
* Letter from Dolores M. Hodgkiss, Executive Director, addressing Section 9 requirements.
MARC P. VOLAVKA,
Executive Director[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-1818. Filed for public inspection October 5, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]
